An Al mighty effort

Merson: hailed Owls effort

They're not playing great, but they're winning football matches and that's what it's all about at the moment.

Paul Merson
Quotes of the week

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• Peterborough United
• Sheffield Wednesday

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• Match Report

Paul Merson was full of praise for Alan Irvine after watching his Sheffield Wednesday side beat Peterborough 2-1.

Marcus Tudgay's brace helped the Owls stretch their winning streak to three matches with an important victory over their fellow relegation strugglers at Hillsborough.

Merson felt the victory over Peterborough was scruffy, but there were a few star performers in the Wednesday side that caught his eye.

And after being stunned by Preston's decision to part company with Irvine earlier this season, Merson says Wednesday are reaping the rewards after installing him as manager.

He told Soccer Saturday: "It was unbelievable what Alan Irvine did at Preston and now he's gone to Sheffield Wednesday and given them a lorryload of confidence.

"They're not playing great, but they're winning football matches and that's what it's all about at the moment.

"Both of the goals were from set pieces which will be disappointing [for Peterborough], but at the same time I thought Leon Clarke up front was good and Darren Potter in midfield was absolutely outstanding; he passed the ball and sprayed it around.

"At the back Darren Purse, who's been around for a long time, was absolutely outstanding as well.

"They must have been in trouble because they've won three on the trot... and they're fifth bottom!"

Rooted

Peterborough remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship table, but Merson felt they looked threatening when they attacked.

However, he suggested that following their surprise promotion last season, some of their players may not be ready for the pressures of the Championship.

"They made chances, loads of chances," Merson continued.

"I felt sorry for them. They had a go and I just think if they can keep on doing that you never know.

"They have got goalscorers but I think this might have been a year too early for them. A lot of them have been playing in the Conference and in lower league and have stepped up a year too early.

"Hopefully they might do it, but Mark Cooper has done alright. They weren't embarrassed at all."